Crestview residents get to be ham operators for a day (VIDEO)

CRESTVIEW — Attendees of the Crestview Public Library’s First Tuesday series now know more about amateur radio.

MATTHEW BROWN / News Bulletin

CRESTVIEW — Attendees of the Crestview Public Library’s First Tuesday series now know more about amateur radio.

The North Okaloosa Amateur Radio Club, or NOARC, explained how someone can get started as a so-called ham operator.

Ron Mahn, a training expert with the club, hosted the event.

Watch children communicate on amateur radio for the first time >>

"My hobby is amateur radio," he said. "I love the opportunity to talk to people around the world."

Attendees had the opportunity to use the ham technology, which was one reason Andrew Moore, 12, showed up.

"I wanted to come out here and listen to and talk into the radio," he said.

Moore was one of three children who communicated with a Fort Myers-based operator.

"At first I was a little nervous about talking to other people from around the world, but then I (realized) that there was nothing to be worried about," he said.

Later, attendees went outside the library, where club members made contact via satellite with a radio operator in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ham operators must pass a test to be a licensed amateur radio operator, Mahn said, adding that NOARC serves our area numerous ways, particularly as a backup communication mode for hurricane evacuation shelters.